Getting Around on Halloween

Some good advice for motorists and for trick or treaters everywhere, compiled by the Maryland State Highway Administration:

For Drivers
-- Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and intersections.
-- Motorists should exercise extra caution during peak trick-or-treating hours between 4 and 9 p.m.
-- Slow down and obey the speed limit and all traffic signs/signals in residential neighborhoods.
-- Enter and exit driveways slowly.
-- Be alert for children crossing and darting across the street.
-- Watch for children crossing between parked cars.
-- Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a right turn on red.
-- When driving children to trick-or-treat or to a costume party, make sure all seat belts are fastened and let children out of the car on the curbside.

For Pedestrians
-- Cross at marked crosswalks and intersections.
-- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
-- Be sure to see and be seen. Avoid dark clothing, wear bright colors and use reflective devices.
-- Avoid costumes that may impair vision.
-- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.
-- Stay alert and be on the look out for cars traveling above the speed limit.

Taxis
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program says the Halloween SoberRide program will be operating from 8 p.m. on to 4 a.m. to assist those who have been over served in getting home during this high-risk period.

People 21 and older who need the service can call the toll-free SoberRide phone number (1-800-200-TAXI) and get a ride home home at no cost up to what would otherwise have been a $50 fare.

Some D.C. taxi drivers are likely to be on strike today in a protest against the plan to convert the fare system from zones to meters. SoberRide expects that there still will be enough available to make the program work. But the strike is something to keep in mind if you intend to go bar hopping. It may be difficult to hail a cab on the street afterward.

Georgetown Parking
While we're on that topic, here are the no-parking restrictions that apply in Georgetown until 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Also, some streets will be closed to through traffic, and others may be closed temporarily at the discretion of the police. Drivers should be prepared to present proof of employment or residency to enter these closed streets:

For Kids
Every year, Metro employees from the Southeastern and Southern Avenue bus divisions decorate a bus and put on a Spooky Bus party for young people 5 to 16. The Spooky Bus will be at the Anacostia Metro station from 3:30 to 6 p.m.